Applause for MTA bus route restorations, and big plans for the future

Applause for MTA bus route restorations, and big plans for the future

By Mary Frost

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Brooklyn bus riders are getting a break: As part of $29 million in service investments announced by MTA’s Chairman and CEO Joseph J. Lhota, the state agency has restored some Brooklyn bus routes cut in 2010, including weekend service on the B2 between Midwood and Kings Plaza Mall and the X27 between Bay Ridge and midtown Manhattan. The MTA has also added a new Bay Ridge stop on the X17.

“It’s very important to Bay Ridge people,” said Paula Katinas, who works in Bay Ridge for the Bay Ridge Eagle. “The R train doesn’t run that great on weekends. There’s frequent track work; people have to take the train to another stop and change, and the routes are frequently disrupted.” Restoring the bus lines “will be welcomed by most people in Bay Ridge,” she added.

In addition, MTA proposes to bring back a half a dozen eliminated or truncated Brooklyn bus routes in January, 2013.

Some of the $29 million in funds will go towards service needs in growing and changing neighborhoods, Lhota said. In September 2013, MTA proposes to add brand new bus lines serving Brooklyn’s new “Tech Triangle,” plus Williamsburg and East New York.

And sometime in 2013, MTA says it hopes to extend the G Line to Church Avenue permanently, improving service connectivity in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace and Kensington.

Proposed MTA Improvements in Brooklyn:

Restoration of Brooklyn bus routes in January, 2013: * The B4 from Ocean Parkway to Knapp Street in Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach* Weekend service on the B24 in Williamsburg, Sunnyside and Greenpoint* The route restoration of the B39 between Williamsburg and the Lower East Side* Restoration of the B48 from Atlantic Ave to Prospect Park station* Extension of the B57 from Carroll Gardens to Red Hook* Restore weekend service on the B69 from Kensington to Downtown Brooklyn

Additional bus service in Brooklyn in September 2013:* New service connecting Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill and the Brooklyn Navy Yard* New Williamsburg waterfront service* New service between East New York and Spring Creek, Brooklyn